Finding the lost passion.

 It has been a while since I wrote. Like literally.

Not that I didn't want to, but every time I find an interesting subject to share, I just couldn't find time to put my thoughts down.

Well, yeah, that's just an excuse. The truth is, I don't have a valid excuse. The passion to write is still there, but actually doing it is a whole new dimension for me nowadays. How can I continue to claim that "writing is my soul" if I cannot even bring myself to do the thing that I love most?

I made a resolution at New Year's that I would start writing again. But that resolution was borrowed from the years before. 

This active brain of mine always finds something nice to write. I play with the words in my thoughts, I find the right angle to approach my supposedly piece-of-the-art story, yet, it remained there. Deep in my thoughts. Buried with all the other potential stories I have in mind. 

Maybe today will be different. Maybe this time I am geared to revive my passion. Maybe I will find that time to write again. Maybe.

I hope that 'maybe' will happen. I hope this simple note can revive that passion. I hope.

Change is good, sometimes.

I am a 42-year-old professional, going 24.

No. I didn't find the magical fountain of youth. Nor did I figure out the formula to reverse aging.

I am just a 42-year-old professional who is back in the market. Not the 'find-me-a-partner' market. The 'get-me-a-good-job' market.

No one told me job hunting at this age is .... hmmmmmmm, how do I put it ... interesting? NOT. It's challenging. Full of heartache. Especially when you have to deal with rejections.

The story's like this ... the year was 1994. I had just finished high school. I was job hunting. I first tried my luck at a sleazy hotel. At 18, you don't actually have much expectation on your job selection. You just want to make money. So, I got the receptionist job, because I speak good English and Malay. But, it was the 90's. My mother is a very conservative person who is always worried what other people might think if they see me working in a cheap hotel. And as a teacher, she does have a reputation to protect. I was devastated, I called the manager the next day and told him I was not coming to work.

My job hunt continued. 

My father, who was the Public Relations Officer for the Sabah Police Headquarters told me about an opening in The Borneo Mail, a bulletin-sized newspaper in Sabah. I went for the interview. I had no experience. My working experience was zero, yet I got the job. Maybe the editor liked my writing and translation. Maybe he thought I was young and teachable. Or maybe I was just lucky. So my reporting life begun that year, December 1994. Borneo Mail was a good training ground for me. I thank my Chief Editor and seniors for their guidance. Too bad it was shut down. It was one of the best papers then.

Your's truly at the beginning of my career at the Borneo Mail. 

Yup, we were still using the typewriter then.

After perfecting my writing skills there, I joined The Borneo Post, a Sarawak-based newspaper, in September 2001, where I gained another 12 years experience in journalism; before moving to a national-based news portal called The Rakyat Post. I was there for three years. 

In the act ... interviewing voters at the Batu Sapi By-Election.

Among my memorable assignments ... covering the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's visit 

to Danum Valley, Lahad Datu, Sabah.

In April 2016, I took up a new offer, a new chapter in my life - I was the Press Secretary to the federal Minister of Energy, Green Technology and Water. The job scope is quite similar to being a journalist, a lot of writing, a lot of digging for information, a lot of patience, finding the right photos to go with the article. But I was not reporting to the editors. I became friends with the editors and reporters, so they will use my boss' story, preferably on the front page.

The job was like a gold mine. Okay, not literally a 'gold mine'. It was a good paying job. I was flying business class. That was the answer to my prayers. I had all my debts covered, and I was on my way to be debt-free in the next five years. That was my ultimate goal, TO BE DEBT-FREE before I rot. I always had the idea to be free with no worries, living on just a decent income, enjoying life like the birds.

Unfortunately, that part of my beautiful life was cut short. So short that I cry every time I think about my goal in life. It was like my life just changed within seconds. The life that I used to love is now just a fairy tale. I long for that life. Like Ariel longing for her legs. Like Rapunzel wanting to feel the grass under her feat. Like my tummy wanting that juicy Big Mac in 'mio pancia', (my belly ... I Goggled that ... lol).

I have been back in the job hunting mission for about six months now. I want at least a part of that beautiful life back. I need to revive my ultimate goal mission back. I am desperate because I am not getting any younger. The experiences I have is nothing because the new market does not mind hiring a younger, newly graduate bunch with lesser experience, because they are 'cheaper'. They are young. They have time to learn. They can still be bossed around. OOOoooooo bummer!

Oh well, life must go on. Bad or good, up or down, that's the kind of life I am in right now. Trying to make ends meet every single month is my new mission. Yes, my priorities have changed. I am thankful to have a decent job that pays me, although my salary is four times less than what I used to make. My phone keeps ringing, not from my fans (not that I have any). It's the banks calling, demanding for their money. Life is no longer simple. My bed of roses is broken. Life sucks.

Still, I am not giving up. Life must go on. I am blessed because in the last few months, I survived, thanks to the help from friends who responded to my S.O.S call for extra money. No, no ... I didn't ask for loans, I have plenty of those already. As a freelance writer, I get paid for the thing that I do best. Writing. Yes, I was a good writer, or at least I think I am. I still is. I think.

I help people with their speeches, or press releases and statements, and I offer services to do projects / programmes. I have plenty of experiences organising events, including those involving Prime Minister and/or Chief Minister.

Plus recently, I picked up a new hobby - photography. I am still in learning process, thanks to the help from my best buddy, a professional photographer.I am just kicking it up a notch. A 'PhotoJournalist' ... oooohhhh that's such a beautiful name. I joined a few app that promotes one's photographs and photography skills, and I am happy to report that I have gotten a few likes ... *grins widely to self*

Yes, I am back in the writing market. And I am going on strong. This blog will be ALIVE again. Stay tune to my next postings. 

And for those who happened to read this posting, please do not hesitate to call me for a job. I will serve you well. And I don't mean cooking. 

I am up for a challenge. writing has always been my passion, and photography is my soul. If you think this posting is interesting, you can expect more from me. I assure you.

Life Makeover

IT has been an interesting one year.

My life has changed. From the one who is always on the run to get news to the one who is always on the run to give news.

No, I am not a superstar (yet), nor am I a politician. But I work for one. 

It's a different job description overall. From a cub reporter; to an assistant chief reporter; before trying out the national media scene as a (the sole) state correspondent to a national-based new portal; and now a press secretary to a federal minister.

Life has been interesting. I live in two states, literally, in within a week. Sometimes, three. Once I had breakfast in KL, had lunch in Kuching, and later dinner in Kota Marudu. Work is quite hectic; the flying is crazy and the car rides are endless. Call me cuckoo, but I see the fun in all these insanely work schedules.

For now, the job is treating me well. I hope it will get better. And I do hope I will not lose my sanity along the way. Maybe the fact that I am single helps. Maybe. But I have always been a hard worker, so things like these are easy to manage. 

I learned journalism the hard way. I had good mentors and I treasure the experiences.

So for now, lemme me embrace this new working environment. And hope that I will excel higher.

Thanks DSDMJO for the opportunity.

Honeymoon's over? Maybe. Maybe Not.

THEY say all good things must come to an end. I guess mine just did.
  It was a wonderful two years. Not that the years before was not great. It was fantastic ... wait, superb! But the last two years was kinda a new chapter in my journalism life.
  I was trying out something new. I had a new perspective in life. I learned to be fast in my work. I learned to be independent. I was all alone in this wide state. But I proved that I was doing okay. I learned that I am a better me.
  Hurt? Betrayed? Of course. But it's something that I have to live with. Whatever tomorrow brings, I'll be there. I must be ready. I must.
  It has indeed been a good two years. Regret? I don't have. Because I believe God has a plan for me. I just hope it's a good one.

My best driving experience

I was driving to an early morning assignment in Papar when I spotted a familiar activity. It brought back really sweet childhood memories, and I could not help myself but to feel sentimental suddenly.

There, driving on the opposite lane was a father, who had his young toddler seated on his lap. The young child had a proud smile on his face. I know how the toddler felt because, I too, once had that same exact feeling. The I-am-in-control-of-the-wheels feeling.

Decades ago, my father used to do the same. I would climb and seat on his lap. He would let me hold the steering wheel, and acted as though I was driving our blue-coloured Toyota Corolla. Of course, he was controlling the steering wheel but that was secondary, I was behind the wheels! What can be more awesome than that?  My dad would cheer for every "successes" I did, like making a turn or keeping the car on a straight lane.

My mother, on the other hand, was not exactly a good sport. Being the more sensible-one, she was more worried of the danger. I mean, can't blame her since the wheels was under the control of a young girl, who does not even know how to spell her name right.

And my dad's favourite quote (when my mom starts to yell) would be: "Biarlah bah dia ... bukan selalu." (Let her be, it doesn't happen often). I always love those time, and yes, I was the daddy's girl. In fact, deep down inside, I still am.

(not my photo)

Today, I have my own car, a Malaysian-made vehicle. Although I can't to do the same for my parents (let them sit on my lap and drive), but I get to return their deeds with great pleasures like driving them around.

I believe everyone of us have the same experience, or something close to that. Whatever it is, it is among my best memories of driving.

money matters

Just recently, I was so bothered about how low my so-called incentives was. I mean it is so low that it was demoralising. It did not inspire me at all. 

  I was sour the whole week. So sour that I could taste it in my mouth. 

  So I spoke to my bosses, and I did get my explanation, finally. It was not so great explanation (thanks to Income Revenue Board), but at least I got my questions answered.

  Still, I shared my disappointment with my colleagues. Still sour.

  Until one day.

  It was Raya eve. And I was just leaving the office. Upon reaching the ground floor, I saw the office security guard. I call him 'pak cik".

  I was shocked to see him still working. He is a Muslim and was still working on the eve of Raya, while many had packed up to join their family members back home. So out of curiosity, I asked him if he is not joining his family back home in Keningau for Raya. He told me that he would be going home the next day (which was on the first day of Raya). He said his wife and children had taken the morning bus to Keningau.

  So, again I asked, why? Is it because his leave was not approved?

  He said he had decided to stay back for the bonus. I said well, ya, why not, for that extra $$$, I would work. Then he told me the amount: RM50. 

  And I thought to myself, there I was complaining and being sour for that small amount incentive, and there is this one guy who is willing to sacrifice his precious time with his family for that extra RM50. 

  It goes to show that we have so many things to be thankful for.

  We are just spoiled with our own greed. We are selfish. After all, we are human.

  To me, it was an eye opener. I believe his sacrifice was all worth it.

  

Lajim Ukin relinquished three Umno posts

KOTA KINABALU:  After seven months keeping mum about his future in Umno, Datuk Seri Panglima Lajim Ukin finally took the bold move to relinquish his three positions in the party on July 28, 2012.

  Liken himself as a 'candle, willing to be burned for the good of the people', the Deputy Housing and Local Government Minister announced his resignation as the Umno Supreme Council Member, Beaufort Division Umno chief and Beaufort Barisan Nasional chairman with immediate effect.

  “I did not rush to make this decision, and instead I have given it much thought. This political move is not for my own gain, but the decision was made based on the interest of the people that hungers for change.

  “For now, I have at least cleared the path for those who wish to vote for change, who is hunger for development, and to be at par with other states , who no longer wish to be treated differently … this resignation today (July 28, 2012) is for the people of Sabah, and it is important to strengthen our struggles to ensure the state will continue to be on the right track towards greater heights,” said Lajim, making his special announcement cum breaking of fast before hundreds wellwishers at his residence in Likas, near here.

  However, despite relinquishing the three posts, Lajim, who has been with Umno for 28 years and the Beaufort Member of Parliament, said he would leave it to the party leadership to decide on his fate in Umno, as well as the ministerial post.

  “I have my own principle, and I believe that it is not impossible that Umno would take action against me. It is up to them to decide on my Umno membership and my post in the cabinet, they can sack me anytime, and whatever their decisions are, I am ready,” said Lajim.

  He also claimed that at least 23 other Umno leaders have voiced out their interest to also leave the party.

  Currently in a movement, dubbed the Sabah Reform Front (SRF), Lajim said that he is partyless and was thinking of whether to continue his four decades involvement in politics.

  “If we wish to continue our political struggles, we would discuss with any parties under the Pakatan Rakyat who are willing to accept us. I do not know whether I would be defending my seat as I would leave it to my supporters to decide. If they want me, I would, If not, I will just assist the future candidate” he said.

  He also refuted rumours that he was offered the Chief Minister's post, adding that: “We are in the opposition, not the government.”

  Lajim also said that he was not forced to leave BN as there were rumours that he would be dropped from the coalition.

  “All I know is that I have raised my grouses to the Prime Minister over matters concerning the Sabah leadership, and my action today is to show them that I was not making false accusations,” he told reporters.

  Earlier in his speech, Lajim said it was time for the people to move forward and not be misguided on the myth that only Umno and BN that could bring peace and harmony to them.

  “Realities lie on the leadership in states like Selangor, Kedah, Kelantan and Penang, as they are better off than Sabah today.

  “I have let myself burnt before, when I sacrificed myself and left Parti Bersatu Sabah on Mar 12, 1994. Many has regarded me as 'katak' (frog), but my decision to leave PBS has helped to formation of the BN government till today.

  “But I realise that although Malaysia was formed for almost 50 years now, Sabah is still behind, in terms of development, our voices have fallen to deaf ears in the federal government. Many resolutions and memorandum were forwarded to the top leaderships by the many political parties from sabah and yet, nothing concrete has been done to materialise them.

  “That is why Sabahans are getting tired and we come up with slogans such as 'Ini kalilah' (This is it) and 'Mari tukar' (Lets change), and deep down their heart, they wish that Putrajaya would be toppled by a new government through Pakatan Rakyat.

  “Having said that, we continue to make calls for the setting up of the Royal Commission of Inquiry to overcome issues concerning the illegal immigrants, and many other matters, as we all want a new hope which is more positive, for the good of Sabahans.

  “We should not longer allow ourselves to be treated like a sheep, left in the barn, waiting for instructions from its master and probably one day be slaughtered. We have our morals and pride. In politics, ideology alone is not enough, we need to have a principle, and it is more meaningful. A person who is equipped with an ideology without principle is like a seaman without a compass. Only with compass would we be able to reach our destination,” he said.


(pix source: sinarharian.com.my)

2012 - yet another interesting and challenging year

  Just six days into the New Year and already I can't wait for it to end, but time is flying real slow. But having said that, I have reasons to be happy as some of what I wished to do this year has kicked off and hopefully it will be consistent.
  Twenty-twelve is expected to be an interesting yet challenging year for me, it involves a lot of things - physically, mentally and spiritually - and I am not quite sure I am ready for these tasks. Everyone hopes for happy ending, but no one can guarantee you that life would be as sweet as that in fairytales. While some of us hate gambling, we cannot run away from the fact that as some point in our life, we need to have the courage to gamble.
  Last year was a challenging year as well, but there were sweet memories to compensate the heartaches and sadness. I lost an uncle last year. A dear one. And how I wish he was with us as we celebrated the joy of moving into a new home. He could have been a regular in the house, much to the delight of my parents. But God loves him more.
  Of course, Korea tops the sweet memory list. It was a fun fun fun trip. Planned some trips this year, and hopefully we will get there someday, somehow.
  I made three resolutions this year, one may be a 'brought forward' material, but this time, I am determine to make it happen. All three involves a lot of commitments, and I believe with the support I get, I will be able to do it.
  With this, I pray to God that He would lead me to the right path, to guide me towards doing the right thing, to help me decide what is best for me...and I pray that He would help all my parents, sisters, brother-in-laws, nieces, aunties, uncles, cousins, relatives and friends wishes come true too.

Happy New Year people and may 2012 brings us greater health, wealth and laughter.  
 

it is time...

There are times when we look back and think what we've achieved, what we fail to achieve and what we are still hoping to achieve ... all these makes who we are today, what we are today, what we've become.

I always think that I am still learning. The world, after all, is a classroom and at certain point we still need to look back at those days when you were just you.

I'm always thankful to my parents, for teaching me the values of life, for guiding me and help shape me to be who I am today.

 Of course, I should also give thanks to my former teachers, superiors at work, my mentors, my friends ... they played their part to help me to be what I am today.

I've passed on what I gained from my mentors to my fellow colleagues. Its been over a decade now with the journalism line, and I believe it is a learning process everyday, still. There are a lot of things out there that interest us. I just wish I get to share my passion and let my friends see what I see. It is wrong to think that we're in a glamourous line, it's not! We're in this line for a reason. A good reporter can smell a good story. And I believe I've shared with my fellow colleagues how to deal with certain stories. But of course, there is very little we can do and it is always up to the person to absorb what we've shared.

So for the stubborn ones, congratulations, you're on your own ... I give up!

the meaning of respect

It amazes me to see how our Muslim friends could abstain themselves from food and water for the whole day. I mean the challenges are there - the heat, the smell of food, the smell of nicotine (for smokers of course) ... it is superly hard work to ignore all temptations, at least for me.

I tried fasting, well to be precise, abstaining from food since I do take water, for the second day today, and it is such a struggle. Honestly, it brings a whole new level of respect to our fasting friends.

The best part was that I had the privilege to break fast with my Muslims friends, thanks to Promenade Hotel for the great Buka Puasa buffet dinner. Not that I have never joined them during such functions, this time it is extra memorable since I half-fasted. It was so much fun, waiting for the azan and to see them pray before taking the meals. I did my prayers too, according to my beliefs and religion. Traditionally, they'll start with kurma (dates) and I did just that, followed by a sip of water or syrup, which ever fancies you, but I must admit, it was a heavenly feeling.

This is a whole new experience for me too, I realise that it makes us to appreciate food and drinks more, it makes us realise that we can control our minds to refrain from doing things, self-control. It brings truth to the saying "it's all in the mind".

Well, it is entering the third day of Ramadhan. I've tried abstaining food for two days now, may be slowly I will join Muslims to abstain both food and drinks ... SLOWLY. A friend of mine told me that "just think it as your diet,", may be I should take his words and tune my mind to do just that.

So, to all my Muslim friends, happy Ramadhan. Kudos for your strong will to rejecting all temptations. Thanks for this valuable lesson.

a little bit of golfers' jargon

10 things in golf that sound dirty...

1. Look at the size of his putter. 2. Oh, dang, my shaft's all bent. 3. You really wacked the hell out of that sucker. 4. After 18 holes I can barely walk. 5. My hands are so sweaty I can't get a good grip. 6. Lift your head and spread your legs. 7. You have a nice stroke, but your follow through leaves a lot to be desired. 8. Just turn your back and drop it. 9. Hold up. I've got to wash my balls. 10. Damn, I missed the hole again.

sometimes all we need is a good laugh ...

Funny Quote

Writers Quotes The difference between fiction and reality? Fiction has to make sense. Tom Clancy I never know what I think about something until I read what I've written on it. William Faulkner I handed in a script last year and the studio didn't change one word. The word they didn't change was on page 87. Steve Martin I have always been a huge admirer of my own work. I'm one of the funniest and most entertaining writers I know. Mel Brooks It took me fifteen years to discover that I had no talent for writing, but I couldn't give it up because by that time I was too famous. Robert Benchley A writer is congenitally unable to tell the truth and that is why we call what he writes fiction. William Faulkner The free-lance writer is the person who is paid per piece or per word or perhaps. Robert Benchley Work quotes

The reason why worry kills more people than work is that more people worry than work. Robert Frost The easiest job in the world has to be coroner. Surgery on dead people. What's the worst thing that could happen? If everything went wrong, maybe you'd get a pulse Dennis Miller Hard work never killed anybody, but why take a chance? Edgar Bergen Doing nothing is very hard to do...you never know when you're finished. Leslie Nielsen The trouble with unemployment is that the minute you wake up in the morning you're on the job. Slappy White I only go to work on days that don't end in a 'y'. Robert Paul It's just a job. Grass grows, birds fly, waves pound the sand. I beat people up. Muhammad Ali A good rule of thumb is if you've made it to thirty-five and your job still requires you to wear a name tag, you've made a serious vocational error. Dennis Miller I like work: it fascinates me. I can sit and look at it for hours. Jerome K Jerome

Wisdom Quotes

Whenever I'm caught between two evils, I take the one I've never tried. Mae West Knowledge speaks, but wisdom listens. Jimi Hendrix The pen is mightier than the sword, and considerably easier to write with. Marty Feldman How to make a million dollars: First, get a million dollars. Steve Martin If at first you don't succeed, try again. Then quit. There's no use being a damn fool about it. W.C. Fields Wise men make proverbs, but fools repeat them. Samuel Palmer

For more funny quotes, click here

the response ...

Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Masidi Manjun responded to the Terengganu Turtle Sanctuary Advisory Board (TTSAB), demanding them to furnish evidence that indeed the turtle eggs found sold at their markets came from Sabah.

  Guess the man with the bionic eyes has to prepare an answer to support his claim.

  To know more, click here for the article on Masidi's response.

when one has good eyes...

And so I came across with this article today, and it made me wonder about many things.
  The article is about the Terengganu  Turtle Sanctuary Advisory Board's (TTSAB) statement, denying that the turtle eggs sold at their market are collected locally.
  I quote TTSAB chairman Datuk Mazlan Ngah's statement that: "I don't see any Terengganu turtle eggs being sold openly in the markets, but if they are being sold secretly, then I would not know." That was his statement to Bernama on Tuesday.
  He claimed that the turtle eggs came from Sabah, Sarawak and the Philippines.
  Something is not right here. Turtles are protected species, and that include its eggs. How can such protected items, which is prohibited from being sold or exported, are found elsewhere, as claimed by Datuk Mazlan Ngah.
  Which brings into question our enforcement and security at the gateways. Is it that easy to 'smuggle' out turtle eggs from Sabah to Terengganu? How can this happen?
  And, most interesting fact is that how on earth does Datuk Mazlan Ngah knows that 'no Terengganu turtle eggs are sold openly at their market' ... is there any difference to distinguish the Terengganu and Sabah turtle eggs? He must have very good eyes to tell the difference.
  Kudos to Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun for his statement to demand for evidence from the Board to support their claims that the turtle eggs came from the state.
  He also called for thorough investigation to shed light on how Sabah turtle eggs end up in Terengganu ... well, someone will face the music, they're in big trouble!

  For more details on the article, click here

just for laughs

was just browsing through the net and i really need something to amuse myself, so i stumbled upon this site http://www.parentinghumor.com ... check it out, and in the mean time, let me share what they have ... if it doesn't make you laugh, well i guess you need help!

Q: If you peel my skin off, I won't cry, but you will. What am I?
A: An onion.

Q: What has four legs one head but only one foot?
A: A bed

Q: Where do cows go to have fun?
A: To the mooovies!


Q: Why didn't the skeleton go to the ball?
A: Because he had no body to go with!

Q: What do you call a cow in an earthquake?
A: A milkshake!

Q: Why is a cat in the desert like Christmas?
A: Because of its sandy claws!

Q: What notes does the tightrope-musician have to worry about?
A: C sharp or B flat!

Q: Why did the chicken cross the road?
A: To show the armadillo it could be done!

Q: Why was 6 afraid of 7
A: Because 7 8 9!

Q: Why did the man put his money in the freezer?
A: He wanted cold hard cash!

Q: Why won`t cannibals eat clowns?
Because they taste funny!

Q: What did the porcupine say to the cactus?
A: "Is that you, Mama?"

Q: What is black and white and sleeps a lot?
A: A snoozepaper!

Q: Why did the chicken cross the road?
A: He didn`t want to go to the barbecue!

Q: What did one plate say to the other plate?
A: "Lunch is on me!"

Q: What is black and white and red all over?
A: A sunburnt zebra!

Q: What do potatoes wear to bed?
A: Their yammies!

Q: What happened when the cow jumped over the barbed wire fence?
A: It was an udder catastrophe!

Q: What do birds need when they are sick?
A: A tweetment!

Q: What do you call a sheep with no legs?
A: A cloud!

Q: What do you get when you cross a bear and a skunk?
A: Winnie the 'pe-u'!

Q: What vegetable do you get when King Kong walks through your garden?
A: Squash!

Q: What did one toilet say to the other toilet?
A: You look a bit flushed!

Q: What dog keeps the best time?
A: A watch dog.

Q: What do you get when you cross a telephone with a very big football player?
A: A wide receiver!

Q: Why did the man destroy his piano?
A: He was looking for his keys!

Q: What do you call a 5000 pound gorilla?
A: Sir!

Q: Why don't elephants smoke?
A: They can't fit their 'butts' in the ashtray!

Q: Why did Piglet look in the toilet?
A: He was looking for Pooh.

Q: Why do cows use the doorbell?
A: Because their horns don't work!

Q: Why did the turkey cross the road?
A: It was the chicken's day off!!!

Q: What do you have if you have 100 rabbits in a row and 99 step back?
A: A receding hare line!

Q: Why did the skeleton play the piano?
A: Because he didn`t have any organs!

Q: What time is it when a elephant sits on a fence?
A: Time to get a new fence!

Q: How much money did the pirate pay for his ear to get pierced?
A: A buck an ear!

Q: What is the difference between broccoli and bogies?
A: Kids don`t like to eat broccoli!

Q: How do you stop a baby alien from crying?
A: You rocket!

Q: Why did the tomato blush?
A: Because it saw the salad dressing!

Q: Why do elephant tusks stick out?
A: Because their parents can`t afford braces!

Q: Why did the gum cross the road?
A: Because it was stuck to the chicken!

Q: What did the grape do when it got stepped on?
A: It let out a little wine!

Q: Why did the Turtle cross the road?
A: To get to the Shell station!

Q: What do you call a Fairy that doesn't take baths?
A: Stinkerbell!

Q: Why did the skeleton cross the road?
A: To get to the body shop!

Q: Why did the chicken cross the park?
A: To get to the other slide!

Q: What do you call a camel with three humps?
A: Humphrey!

Q: What is black, white and red?
A: A newspaper!

Q: What is the smelliest sport?
A: Ping Pong!

Q: What do you call a boomerang that doesn't come back?
A: A stick!

Q: Why did Donald Duck go to college?
A: He wanted to be a wise quacker!

Q: What do you get when you cross a snake and a kangaroo?
A: A jump rope!

Q: Why did the boy bring a ladder to school?
A: He wanted to see what High School was like!

Q: How do you make a tissue dance?
A: Put a little boogey in it!

Q: Why did the chicken cross the playground ?
A: To get to the other slide!

Q: Where do bees go to the bathroom?
A: At the BP station!

Q: Why does it get hot after a baseball game?
A: Because all the fans have left!

Q: What is black and white and white all over?
A: A scared skunk!

Q: Why did the cookie go to see the doctor?
A: He was feeling crummy!

Q: How do you catch a squirrel?
A: Climb a tree and act like a nut!

Q: How can you tell if a calendar is popular?
A: It has a lot of dates!

Q: What do pigs put on sore toes?
A: Oinkment!

Q: How do you stop a skunk from smelling?
A: Put a clothes peg on its nose!

Q: When is a car not a car?
A: When it turns into a garage!

Q: What do you get when you cross a cow with a rabbit?

A: Hare in your milk!

Q: What does a bee use to brush its hair?
A: A honeycomb!

Q: Why didn't the skeleton cross the road?
A: Because he didnt have the guts!

Q: What do you say to a skeleton before he eats?
A: Bone appetit!

Q: What do you say to a skeleton going on vacation?
A: Bone voyage!

Q: What fruit teases you a lot?
A: A ba na..na..na..na..na!

Put our differences aside

Put our differences aside

I have to agree with Daphne Iking ... she has a point. Why do we need to learn to love our neighbours. I may not simply barge into my neighbour's house and asked what they're having for dinner, but at least I know who they are. I get invited for Raya, Deepavali, Chinese New Year, and actually we had an invitation from a neighbour who just moved. It was an invitation to their child's wedding, how surprising was that. Unfortunately, the wedding was near Christmas, and by the time, I left for kampung to join my family for the holidays.

The idea of the 1Malaysia concept is good, but it's funny at the same time. I mean, we keep harping about the issue and the leaders are always reminding us how to live as one big happy family but why are they preaching so hard, why can't they just act as though nothing is wrong, they are pinpointing our weaknesses in public, why? And, with all due respect, the advertisements on our national radio is totally ridiculous!

Honestly, I do not need to be reminded every now and then about how to love my neighbours, how to accept others from different ethnics, I totally think it's all about narrowing the gap between the rich and poor, the rich will have to experience for themselves how hard it is to get to a remote area via road connections,  not take the copper, I mean you want to save time because you're "too busy", who isn't? It doesn't seem fair when sometimes we have to travel in the wee hours to get to the event area, just so that we won't be late for a function, and the VIP just conveniently flies and leaves the same way, while we take the same route and rush to finish our stories.

So, please stop preaching things that you yourself may not be practising. Act, not just talk.

bravery or stupidity?

i'm taken aback when i saw my assignment today...i'm supposed to cover about a prominent person's relative who is on a hunger strike ... and as he puts it "until I die!", drinking just water, to show his dissatisfaction against the government.

now, i just wonder whether that is a good idea? do you think the government would even care? so i'm very much intrigue to know what he has in mind ... will update later, for now, let me do some digging.

cheers.

are we that ignorant?

Mayor of Kota Kinabalu Datuk Abidin Madingkir made a very good point today.

He said the authorities have always emphasised on the importance of creating awareness among the people about cleanliness. Why we should maintain cleanliness, not just at home, but also at public places.

The problem is, he said, the authorities have been harping on the same issue for the past 30 years. And yet they still want to "create awareness" among the people.

I believe people are very much aware of the situation, they know the dustbins are not decorations, they know the functions of the recycled bins, they know it is wrong to litter, motorists know they should not throw rubbish from their vehicles, and yet they are just too ignorant. It has become a habit. They just refuse to take a few steps walk to the dustbin to dispose their rubbish. And worst of all, they know that someone is paid to clean up the mess they made.

Even a small cigarette butt can cause much damage if not properly disposed.

We hate being called stupid and ignorant and yet we continue to act like one.

Honestly, it will not kill to dispose our own garbage. Lets do our bit to help clean the environment. Together, we can make this world a better place to live in.

man's best friend ... indeed!

Businessman builds luxurious homes for dogs | BorneoPost Online | Borneo , Malaysia, Sarawak Daily News

wow...this is really something. talk about enjoying your wealth with your best friend ... this, i believe, beats it all.

while others may think it's pure insanity, some people believe it is an act of passion. lets just say some people have the luxury to build RM100k worth of house for their 14 pets ... i, on the other hand, can just hope to have that much money to get myself a house. i can't believe i'm saying this but those puppies are damn lucky to have this man as their best friend.

updating blog...

it took a friend to tell me that i should update my blog ... thanks for the reminder.

in the last two months or so, a lot happened.

my good friends, Haslin Gaffor and Jaswinder Kaur, got married. they finally ended their 13 years of courtship and are now officially Mr and Mrs Tat (as i love to call them). theirs is a real love story. and they chose May 29, 2011 to tie-the-knot, the same date Prince Harry and Kate said their "I Dos" ... Tat's and Jess' is the Royal Wedding of KK! wishing them all the best, and from their FB updates, they're happy being married couple, so sweet, i loike!

the month of May was also the month of celebration for the Kadazandusun and Murut. The whole month is dedicated to KDM's culture, not forgetting the 'singarung', 'siopon' and lots of aramai tii ... the same month i met several new friends, locals and abroad. and work, s

weet sweet work, i don't know whether i should feel lucky or otherwise, because this year, i was not assigned to cover the closing of the State Level Kaamatan Festival. i mean, it's nice to actually learn something new from visiting the local houses at KDCA but the heat would have killed me.

i also won a nice watch during a lucky draw session, it's still in the box, dunno when will i ever wear it ... i don't want it to get scratched (hehehehehehe).

which brings to the next subject...WEATHER! arrrrrrrrgghhhhhhhhhh...the weather is so unpredictable. the rain had disrupted my newly 'adopted' activity, nothing fancy, just healthy activity, something i have been wanting to do but no will power to pursue. when i finally had that much courage to do it, the rain have to come and spoil my plans hmmmmmmmmmmm...

the month of June ... hmmmmmmmm, the best part about the month of June was that J&C were here. who is J&C? they are the two little rugrats ... Jasmine and Cheryl, still the apples of my eyes, my two little nieces. my heart skipped when i saw them running towards the house, they are so cute, with the little blue and pink crocs, the way they call me "Ayie Che" (cause they used to hear their mother and my other sisters call me 'che', Chinese word for sister. during their stay here, they turned my room upside down, took all my stuffed animals (errrrrr, yes i still do have some toys in my room), jumped and rolled on my bed, played with anything within their reach. i actually miss how they would come to my room and wake me up with those little fingers. They went home to their parents on Friday, i miss them!

June has not ended yet. i'm just waiting for it to end as i prepare for July. something good is happening in July, i can't wait...!

p/s to my friend, i'll try and update my blog as often as i can...i now know i have a stalker (in a good way i hope) hahahahahahahaha ... take care!